Comparative Studies of Religion

A well-rounded understanding of Paganism includes some understanding of other religions as well.  If you were to take a class in this subject area at a university or seminary it would probably have the title "Comparative Religion."  

A quick check of the directory of a major search engine will highlight the great number of diverse religions in the world.  If you haven't does this lately, check out the Yahoo! Directory for Faiths and Practices or the Google Directory for Spirituality and Religion.  If you live in an urban area it might be interesting to get out the phone book and see just how many of the groups listed you are familiar with.

You may be thinking, "If I'm happy as a Pagan then why do I need to take the time to learn about other religions?"  Knowledge  and understanding of other religions can help you in many ways.  

Key Points of Comparison

It is interesting to find concepts that are popular among several religions, such as the principle of treating others the way you want to be treated or the concept of reincarnation.  What beliefs or attitudes does Paganism have with other religions?  In what ways is Paganism unique?

You may discover you had learned false or stereotyped information about members of a religious group.  How did you get false information?  How do people get false information about Pagans?

You may gain an understanding of why certain religious groups do things that seem odd or destructive.  You may not agree with their practices, but understanding the reasons behind their actions is helpful.  What actions might Pagans engage in that look odd to other religious groups?  How would a Pagan explain those behaviors?

It is helpful to understand the vocabulary and worldview of other religions when you try to explain your own beliefs.  What is a Pagan worldview?  What language or vocabulary terms are unique to Paganism?

As you read about other religions you will notice how they are influenced by the personalities and cultures of their founders. Major historical events often played roles in the development of beliefs and attitudes of particular religions.  As you read about these influences you may want to think of the parallels in Paganism. How has the Pagan movement been shaped by its founders, culture, and historical events?  (See Recent History.)

You may find a religion that resonates with you and/or suits you better than Paganism.  (Not to run you off, but you need to follow your path wherever it leads.)

Blending Paganism and Other Religions

Keep in mind that one does not have to become anti-anything to embrace Paganism.  Numerous websites and several books have explored the blending of Christianity and Paganism as well as Judaism and Paganism.  For example, check out the Yahoo! Directory of Christian Wicca or use those key terms in an internet search.  If you go search through the Pagan e-mail lists, such as those at Yahoo! Groups, you will find several on-line groups for people who are blending Witchcraft and Christianity, Witchcraft and Judaism, Paganism and whatever.  If you are blending Paganism with another spiritual system you might find some of these groups helpful.

Are You Compatible?

Several internet sites have started offering on-line questionnaires to let you choose your religion.  One of those is available at Beliefnet, humorously called "Belief-O-Matic."  This questionnaire will give you a profile in the form of percentage scores, such as "You are 95% Neo-Pagan, 87% Hindu, etc."  This site also provides descriptions of each religion mentioned.  It can be a lot of fun and can be quite eye-opening!

Resources For Your Research

In addition to internet resources there are many good books on comparative religion available.  I must warn you though, in your studies you will find various approaches to Paganism.  Some authors will be friendly, some unkind, and many will ignore Paganism as a religious path.  When choosing a book on comparative religion it is important to look at the author's credentials and any indications of the author's bias or purpose for the work.

One of the more popular books is Huston Smith's The World's Religions.  He includes chapters on Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and the Primal Religions.

Another interesting comparative book is The World's Wisdom, by Philip Novak.  Novak explores the same world religions as Smith, however, Novak draws from the sacred writings of each religion.  He does include a small portion of Earth-based writing in the Primal Religions chapter.

If you are looking for an easy, quick, and entertaining book you might consider (and please don't be insulted by this) the Complete Idiot's Guide to World Religions.  

My final book recommendation is Pagans & Christians: The Personal Spiritual Experience, by Gus DiZerega, Ph.D.  Even though the book compares only Paganism and Christianity, I found the analysis of both belief systems to be enlightening.

A couple of interesting websites to check out are the United Religions Initiative and the World Scripture sites.

P.S.  If you are looking for the holidays of another religion check out the Earth Calendar!